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OUR MISSION To help local children with disabilities reach their full potential by providing them with services every time they need assistance.
HOW WE HELP Variety empowers children with physical and developmental disabilities, also referred to as children with special needs, and improves their quality of life. Our programs highlight ability rather than disability. This holistic approach gives access to critical medical equipment and therapies, along with innovative Camp and Performing Arts programs, which provide opportunities for recreation, socialization, and artistic expression.
WHY IT MATTERS Children gain or maintain independence, boost socialization among their friends and family, demonstrate belief in themselves, and increase skills they need to engage their world as fully as possible. Variety’s innovative model is an effective approach that harnesses performing arts, medical equipment and recreation along with proven therapy to unlock human potential across the spectrum of disability.
Cover: Variety Kid Nick acting as Mayor of Munchkinland in Variety Theatre’s presentation of The Wizard of Oz. 2
Dear Friends of Variety, I am often asked about what it is that Variety does. While the easy, and true, response is that Variety provides equipment, therapy and programs to children with disabilities in the St. Louis area, I often feel that it doesn’t quite explain the full impact that Variety has on the lives of these children and their families. Variety is in the business of empowering change. Our goal is to provide the tools each Variety Kid and Teen needs to succeed, whether it’s access to critical services and support, like equipment and therapy, or opportunities for recreation, socialization and artistic expression. Many children benefit from some combination of the above. Our effort is all about developing a comprehensive approach that enhances lives for individuals and families. Durable medical equipment and therapy can truly improve a child’s quality of life. In 2017, we deployed a record amount of money in equipment given to Variety families. In addition to a wide range of types of equipment, we also provided two accessible vans to Variety Kids, a gift of mobility and independence to the entire family. We also expanded our therapy offerings to include an additional session each month, which means more chances for each child to learn new skills and to build strength and confidence. As for recreation and socialization opportunities, Variety’s Adventure Camp provided free weeks full of new experiences to many St. Louis-area youth. This year we introduced our first Teen Camp, giving even more teens the chance to meet new friends and to challenge themselves. We also hosted our inaugural Curtain Up! Camp, which teaches campers the ins and outs of working on a theatrical production. Curtain Up! Camp is just part of our Performing Arts program, which provides participants with the opportunity for artistic expression. The major focus of the program is Variety Children’s Theatre, which produced a fantastic performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast this year. Other facets of the program include dance instruction and the Variety Children’s Chorus. Chorus members act as ambassadors for our inclusive message – and they performed on stage with James Taylor at Dinner with the Stars! That’s right – all of these things, and more, combine to create change for Variety Kids, Teens, and their families. It’s our theory of change, and Variety is making it happen every day of the year. As I end my tenure as Chairman of the Board, I am proud to look back on all you have accomplished since I stepped into the roll in 2014. Thank you to each staff member at Variety, each board member, and every volunteer who made my time as Chair enjoyable. Most especially, thank you to all the Variety children and their families for teaching me so much. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve on the board and being a part of Variety’s bright future. Lawrence K. Otto
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By providing access to critical medical equipment and therapy, along with opportunities for recreation, socialization, and artistic expression, we can improve a child’s quality of life. This is our theory of change. To create this change, each of our programs works to develop new skills, encourage increased socialization, improve self-esteem and establish independence. We call these our four “performance indicators.” They allow us to see where each child or teen is excelling and where he or she may need a little extra help. Each of our offerings can play a role in these, and the final outcome, in different ways. Durable medical equipment and our TherHappy Kids Program work together to give a child the ability to independently navigate his or her world. By simply increasing mobility and strength, and teaching new skills, a child can do so much more on his or her own. The confidence and self-esteem gained through this independence is easy to see, even making it easier for Variety Kids to socialize. A communication device and speech therapy, for example, give a child the ability to talk with parents, caregivers, and classmates. Combining a walker with physical therapy improves strength and mobility, and both a wheelchair and occupational therapy make it possible for a child to do seemingly simple tasks – such as making themselves lunch. Our programs also give each child the tools to succeed. At Adventure Camp, campers are introduced to new friends and have the chance to learn an abundance of new skills, including unique experiences like rock climbing and ice skating they would not otherwise have anywhere else. We encourage an “I Can” attitude, helping campers believe that they can do anything they want to do. Through our Performing Arts program, which includes Variety Theatre and Variety Children’s Chorus, as well as the brand new Curtain Up! Camp, Variety Kids and Teens learn so much. From singing to acting to various behind-the-scenes skills such as lighting and set design, participants often find new outlets for creative expression and possibly even new dreams for their futures. Perhaps most importantly, being a part of these programs helps them believe more fully in their own potential as they grow and test the limits of what they can achieve. There really is nothing better than watching Variety children grow into what we always knew they could be. I am lucky enough to witness this change each and every day. In 2017, Variety helped many kids and teens to work towards this growth, and we hope to help even more in the years to come. - Brian Roy 5
A lot has changed for Jamazia – who goes by Jaz – over the last few years. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 11 and, although it has been successfully treated, the cancer resulted in a condition called ataxia. Jaz lost a lot of her strength and coordination, meaning this previously healthy young girl is now unable to walk. At the same time, though, not much has changed for this happy, positive girl. True to her name, Jaz has always enjoyed singing - she has a karaoke machine that her parents, Madera and Corvenia, say she uses every day. Because of this love of music, Jaz was thrilled to serve as Music Director Intern for Variety Theatre. She worked directly with Music Director Greg Schweizer and learned how music ties a performance together. Both she and her parents also met new people through this experience, and others with Variety, forming what they call an “extended family.” Madera says that having this network of people who are facing similar challenges is a big help. Jaz has also received equipment and therapy to help her get healthy again. Her therapeutic bike is just one piece of this journey. Corvenia says that Jaz thought she would never ride a bike again, but Variety made it possible. Her bike was built specifically based on her abilities and helps strengthen her legs and core. Jaz also attends hippotherapy, or equine therapy, with the help of Variety. Her sessions contribute to strengthening her muscles and add an element of balance through activities completed while riding a horse. Madera and Corvenia agree that they see the benefits of the bike and therapy in Jaz each day. Just a couple of years ago, she was “all over the place,” says Corvenia. Now, she is able to better control her movements, is obviously stronger and more independent, and hopefully on her way to walking again!
ì Basically, Variety is like our extended family.î Corvenia, Jamaziaís mom 6
Being a part of a theatre performance teaches you a lot of new skills – including acting, singing and how to work behind the scenes. More importantly, it also teaches leadership, teamwork and how to express yourself and interact with others. This is exactly what Variety Theatre does for Variety Kids and Teens who participate in the program. For fiscal year 2017’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,
23 Variety children appeared on stage, bringing greater awareness of what children with disabilities can do to the audience. Behind the scenes, six Variety Teens worked as production interns, learning professional skills as they assisted the show’s designers and directors. Why is this important? More than half of Variety Theatre children surveyed said that theatre helped improve their ability to express themselves and engage with their environment – skills they can take with them to the “real world.” That’s what we call true Variety Theatre magic.
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As human beings, we crave independence. Even if it is something as simple as tying a shoe or eating a meal, having the chance to do things on our own is important to our growth. But independence doesn’t come easy to many kids with special needs. That’s why durable medical equipment is so important. These necessary pieces of equipment make things possible – from the mundane to the memorable – and enhance everything from mobility to communication. Equipment can also act as aids for therapy, building strength and coordination. In fiscal year 2017, Variety provided 449 pieces of equipment to 292 children, with 60 percent of children surveyed reporting an increase in independence. These kids now know what it’s like to accomplish something all by themselves. And that’s why we’re here – to improve the lives of Variety Kids by making them just a little easier.
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Mollie has been part of Variety for more than 10 years. She has cerebral palsy, which requires a wide range of equipment. From gait trainers to standers to three different wheelchairs, Variety is there when Mollie needs help as she grows. Often, Mollie has been in need of equipment that insurance wouldn’t approve – like a stander. Although standers allow users to stretch their organs, which is vital for a growing child often confined to a wheelchair, many insurance companies don’t view them as necessary. Mollie’s most recent wheelchair, a power chair, has helped her gain more mobility and independence. It allows her to stand, giving her both the ability to better interact with others at their level and the benefits she used to only realize when using her stander. In order to be able to use her new power chair, however, Mollie’s family was in need of an accessible van, which Variety also provided. Mollie’s mom, Sheila, says, “I can’t even put into words how wonderful a gift that was to our family.” This van helps Mollie participate in a multitude of Variety programs. Adventure Camp is just one, where she meets friends and has experiences not often available to her anywhere else. Mollie also participated in our new Curtain Up! Camp this summer, part of Variety’s Performing Arts program. Being a part of this program has helped Mollie to conquer stage fright and learn new skills. She now loves performing, whether it’s part of Variety Children’s Chorus, interviewing live on Fox 2 or joining the cast of Variety Theatre. Mollie appreciates the inclusiveness of our programs and being part of something where she feels like she belongs. She is thankful for all of the help she has received, from the necessary equipment to the friends she has made to the experiences she has had. To our donors and supporters, Mollie says, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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Chairman of the Board
*Lawrence K. Otto
Vice Chairmen
*Steve Crimmins *Marilyn Fox *Thelma Steward
Secretary
*Steve Gross
Treasurer
*Leslie Wilson *Mark Abels Warner Baxter *Amy Best
Marketing & Communications Mark Abels Cathy Dunkin
Strategic Planning Mark Burkhart
Honorary Life Members
Chairman Emeritus
*Executive Committee Members
Young Variety
Nominating
Planned Giving
Development
Variety Women
Finance
Nick McGeehon
Lee Kling
*David Steward
David Steward
Laura Ellenhorn
Kimmy Brauer James T. Byrnes Nancy Diemer Cliff Eason Marge Imo Mark Koritz Chip Rosenbloom Ozzie Smith
Kimberly Springer
Leslie Wilson
Programs Amy Best
Jan Albus Chief Executive Officer
Wes Edwards Major Gift Officer
Julie Probst Director of Special Events
Danielle Sutherland Program Coordinator
Brian Roy Executive Director
Janna Greenwood Database Manager and Analyst
Kara Schmid Communications Manager
Jackie Walsh Database Coordinator
Brett Schott Chief Development Officer
Carolyn Wooten Health Services Associate
Christina Altholz Chief Financial Officer Amy Buehler Development Director Misty Burton Health Services Manager
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Mike Lefton Danny Ludeman Nick McGeehon Bill Menke Robert O’Loughlin Ridley Pearson Lucia Rosenbloom Bevis Schock Paul Shaughnessy Dave Spence *Kimberly Springer Michael Staenberg Beth Stroble
Mark Burkhart Joe Castellano Cathy Dunkin Laura Ellenhorn Ray Farris Don Ferguson Sean Fleming Cheri Fromm Ray Gruender David Hogan Al Kent Chris Kerckhoff, Jr. *Lee Kling Patricia Kopetz Nancy Kranzberg Patrick Larmon Davida Layer
Robin Diehl Program Manager
Patty Haeffner Executive Assistant Karen Haglin Accounting Manager Mandy Pratt Grant and Proposal Writer
Susan Schuh Chief Program Officer Nadia Shaver Graphics Manager Jean Larson Steck Communications Director
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Variety St. Louis relies on the important partnership with many St. Louis are corporations. The generosity of these community leaders helps Variety meet the needs of 30 Missouri and Illinois counties and allows us to help children and families reach their full potential.
THE ONES
WHO CARE
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Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis 11840 Westline Industrial Drive Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63146
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